In a significant political shift, former Toronto District School Board Trustee Rachel Chernos Lin has emerged victorious in the highly contested byelection for Ward 15 – Don Valley West, narrowly defeating prominent columnist and broadcaster Anthony Furey, according to the city’s unofficial results.
With the completion of voting from all 52 polling stations on Monday night, Chernos Lin secured more than 50 percent of the votes, totaling an impressive 12,899 ballots. This victory came with a notable margin, as she outpaced Furey by over 5,500 votes, who garnered 7,343 votes. Sam Robinson trailed significantly, finishing in third place with only 1,271 votes.
This byelection was prompted by the unexpected death of long-standing councillor Jaye Robinson, who had dutifully served the Don Valley West constituency for many years. Chernos Lin’s campaign resonated deeply with voters, as she articulated a strong desire for community-focused leadership that prioritizes local issues. In her victory speech delivered at Laird Pub, she emphasized, “They want experience. Experience matters. They want optimism. They do not want division. They want someone who is going to bring people together.”
Chernos Lin, who previously served two years as TDSB chair, expressed her commitment to addressing pressing challenges such as traffic gridlock and crime. She also advocates for creating a more walkable community and ensuring that new developments align with the values of local residents. Her vision reflects a collaborative approach to governance that aims to unify rather than divide.
The atmosphere at Chernos Lin’s victory celebration was electric, with several city councillors and Mayor Olivia Chow in attendance, all expressing their enthusiasm for her leadership. Chow highlighted Chernos Lin’s collaborative spirit, stating, “The fact that she got more than 50 percent of the votes tells you that people have faith in her delivering results right here.”
Meanwhile, Furey graciously extended his congratulations to Chernos Lin, wishing her well in her new role. Despite his disappointment in the outcome, he described his campaign as an “experience of a lifetime” and voiced concern over what he characterized as “one of the ugliest voter suppression campaigns” in recent Toronto political history. “While there were some voices out there that went negative, we always stayed positive,” he reflected, concluding with a hopeful note about the city’s future.
Overall, the byelection saw a total of 23,555 votes cast, signaling a robust engagement from the electorate in the Don Valley West area.
Rachel Chernos Lin husband
**Interview with Rachel Chernos Lin: After the Byelection Victory in Don Valley West**
**Interviewer:** Congratulations on your victory, Rachel! How does it feel to secure over 50% of the votes in such a competitive byelection?
**Rachel Chernos Lin:** Thank you so much! It’s truly humbling and incredibly exciting. Winning the confidence of over 12,000 voters is a tremendous honor. I believe it reflects the community’s desire for leadership that genuinely prioritizes their needs and concerns.
**Interviewer:** Your campaign was described as closely watched and at times contentious. What do you think was the key factor that set your campaign apart from your opponents?
**Rachel Chernos Lin:** I think our focus on community engagement and addressing the specific issues affecting Don Valley West made a significant difference. We really listened to the residents, held town halls, and promoted open conversations. This allowed us to connect with voters on a personal level, which I believe resonated strongly with them.
**Interviewer:** What are your immediate priorities as you step into this new role?
**Rachel Chernos Lin:** My first priority is to honor the legacy of Jaye Robinson, who served this community for many years. I plan to focus on enhancing local services, addressing traffic and safety concerns, and continuing to support education initiatives. It’s crucial that residents feel heard and valued in all aspects of local governance.
**Interviewer:** How do you plan to bridge any divides that were created during the campaign, particularly given its contentious nature?
**Rachel Chernos Lin:** It’s important for me to lead with empathy and a commitment to collaboration. I want to reach out to those who may have supported my opponents and show them that I’m here for all constituents, regardless of their political views. Building a united community is essential, and I’ll work hard to foster dialogue and cooperation.
**Interviewer:** what message do you have for the residents of Don Valley West as you embark on this journey?
**Rachel Chernos Lin:** I want to assure everyone that my door is always open. Your voices matter, and I’m committed to being a representative who listens and acts in the best interest of our community. Together, let’s make Don Valley West an even better place to live, work, and grow.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Rachel, and best of luck in your new position!
**Rachel Chernos Lin:** Thank you! I’m excited to get started.